Best Toddler and Baby Bike Seats

Updated: February 20, 2018

There’s nothing better than mixing family time, exercise and the great outdoors. Which is why riding your bike with your baby on board is so much fun. Oh, the places you'll go! But before setting out for a spin with your new little biker, you’ll have to make sure he’s strapped into the best baby bike seat available. Just like choosing your baby’s car seat, it’s important to consider the specific make and model of your bicycle when picking your baby's bike seat. So before running out to buy the latest model advertised — or even borrowing one from a friend — here are some important things to consider so that you both you and your child stay safe on the road.

What kind of bike do you have?

When choosing a bike seat for you and your baby, start by making sure your bike is adequately equipped. Proper installation is paramount to safety. A front-mounted seat attaches to the headset or seat post. But does your bike model offer enough space between you and the handlebars? Also consider whether you’ll feel steadier with your baby riding behind you. Your bike should have eyelets and a rack to fit a rear-mounted baby bike seat properly. Whether or not you have disc brakes may also come into play. And if there isn’t one already, you may have to add a kickstand to your bike to make loading and unloading your bundle of joy a little safer.

What kind of rider are you?

You may be an experienced cyclist, but adding a baby/toddler bike seat will change how your ride feels and how the bike handles. Only the most confident riders, as well as those who are tall, should consider a front-mounting seat.. The front-facing seat destabilizes your bike more than other carriers, and the shorter you are, the smaller your bike is and the less room you'll have for a front-facing seat. Are your arms long enough to reach around the seat? Are you comfortable riding with your legs bowed out a bit more than you're used to? A baby bike seat takes up a lot of space in the front of the bike.

Would your body feel good if you were taking your baby on a longer trek? A baby riding in a rear-mounted bike seat poses a different set of challenges . If you baby cries during your ride, you'll have to stay focused with your eyes toward the front, on the road. If you’d rather keep your eyes on your little one at all times, a rear seat might make longer rides more difficult.

What kind of seat is best for your little one?

All bikes seats have a risk of injury, so the American Association of Pediatrics offers guidelines to reduce risks, including not using them for babies under 12 months old. Additionally, the child needs to be able to sit and hold up her head while wearing a helmet in order to ride safely.

Trailers: Trailers are the most safe, since they keep your child closer to the ground and there’s more protection in the event of an accident. They’re also much easier to maneuver on your bike. However there’s a risk that a car won’t see them, and they’re wider than a bike, so you have to be careful of cars coming too close when you ride on the side of the street. If you do opt for a trailer, be sure to attach a tall pole with a bright orange flag for visibility.

Rear-Mounted Seats: Rear-mounted seats keep your baby closer, but are harder to balance on the bike. For babies that like to nap on the go, a reclining seat is a smart feature, as it will allow her to rest her head more comfortably. The baby bike seat will also need an adjustable safety harness that allows room for your child to grow. Do you have a taller toddler? There are bike seats with higher backs to accommodate. And of course, a helmet is crucial and required by law.

Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi

Your bike skills are all about balance, and your baby's bike seat should be, too. This improved model is lightweight and easy to manage while riding and installing. But it’s also sturdy and tough enough to last for many rides with your favorite passenger. Adjustable straps and footrest securely hold your baby up to 45.8 pounds.

Peg Perego Eggy

Peg Perego is well-known for smartly designed baby strollers and car seats. So it should come as no surprise that their baby bike seat utilizes an innovative "One Click" easy-installation system. Just attach Eggy to the mounting bracket, and you’re on your way. It has a modern suspension system that can handle rougher terrain,and features a removable water-repellent, thermoformed seat pad that can handle a messy baby.

Polisport Guppy Maxi RS Plus

Loading and unloading your baby on and off the bike can be a little tricky. The same goes for making adjustments on the road. We love the Polisport Guppy Maxi RS Plus because you don’t have to take your baby out of the seat to set it to a reclining position. When your little passenger gets sleepy, it takes just a few seconds to unlock the safety knob and tilt the seat back. The armrests and soft padded five-point harness will add to the comfort and safety of the ride.

Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat

Award-winning Scandinavian brand Hamax is known for its innovative products and strict commitment to safety standards. The Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat is designed for single-hand operation of all its features in order to ensure stability, comfort and safety. It comes in two mounting positions and both feature generous shock-absorption so that you and baby can enjoy a smooth ride. The seat’s double-shell design allows space for your little one’s helmet to rest comfortably. In case baby falls asleep, all you have to do is twist the dial to tilt the seat from 0-20 degrees.

Schwinn Deluxe Child Carrier

Schwinn is one of the most trusted brands on the market. With sturdy and lightweight polypropylene, the Schwinn Deluxe Child Carrier is easy to install and dismantle. It features a quick-release harness, padded cross bars and leg restraints to ensure that your little one is well-protected. It also comes with adjustable foot rests, a removable headrest and an air-cushioned seat pad for a added comfort.